The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) raised the T1 Standby Signal at 9.20pm on Wednesday, with a tropical cyclone expected to close in on the southern Chinese coast towards the end of the week.
The weather service said that “there are uncertainties in its landfall position and intensity. As its circulation is relatively small, the tropical cyclone will only bring [a] significant impact [on] local weather when it gets relatively close to Hong Kong.”
The HKO may issue further warning signals between Thursday and Friday, it said.
Showers and winds will strengthen gradually on Friday, with occasional squally showers and thunderstorms over the weekend, the Observatory said. “Showers will be heavier at times, and there will be swells.”
Meanwhile, another tropical cyclone – a more powerful storm – is brewing over the western North Pacific to the east of the Philippines. The Observatory expects it to intensify and enter the northern part of the South China Sea early next week.
Typhoon Signal 1
The No.1 signal is the “Standby” signal. It is issued when a tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and may affect the territory.
- All schools and government services remain open.
- All public transport remains in service.
- The government advice is to take the tropical cyclone into account when planning activities and be wary of potential strong winds over offshore waters.
Observatory signals currently in force
- Cold Weather Warning was issued at 16:20 HKT (5 Jan 2026)
- Red Fire Danger Warning was issued at 06:00 HKT (5 Jan 2026)
Climate crisis
Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and become ever more destructive because of warming seas. Over 90 per cent of excess heat in the atmosphere is ending up in oceans, according to NASA, as rising greenhouse gases prevent it from escaping to space.
